As the disastrous Israel-Hamas war continues to increase, US President Joe Biden repeated his clear disapproval over the ‘Rafah invasion’ during a phone call with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On Sunday, the White House stated that ‘U.S. President Joe Biden had again spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as pressure builds on Israel and Hamas to reach a deal that would free some Israeli hostages and bring a cease-fire in the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza.’
What was the Call About?
The call was intended to make the way for the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken‘s visit to the Middle East with the main goal of resolving the Gaza issue.
The White House stated that ‘the call between the two world leaders lasted for just under an hour and focused mostly on the ceasefire agreement. The two leaders also touched upon the video of two Americans held hostage which was shared by Hamas, last week.’
Joe Biden and Bejanmin Netanyahu Discuses on Humanitarian Issues in Gaza
A readout was shared by the White House which stated that ‘the POTUS and the Israeli premier had a conversation about the provision of humanitarian assistance in the conflict-stricken Gaza.’
The readout further stated that ‘The President and the Prime Minister also discussed increases in the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza including through preparations to open new northern crossings starting this week.’
The White House ended the readout with this statement which stated that ‘The President stressed the need for this progress to be sustained and enhanced in full coordination with humanitarian organizations. The leaders discussed Rafah and the President reiterated his clear position.’
Previously, Biden’s administration has conveyed to the Israeli Prime Minister that the US would like to see a ‘clear and actionable plan’ that explains how the Israeli forces will safeguard civilian life when conducting a ground attack on Rafah.
US Authorities on the Rafah Invasion
John Kirby, the National Security communications adviser of the White House stated that ‘Israel has told its US counterparts that it won’t launch an invasion where more than 1 million people are sheltering in the Gaza Strip’s southernmost city until the Biden administration can share its concerns.’
The US authorities confirmed that they are still finding a solution that includes a temporary ceasefire and the release of the captives.
John Kirby stated that ‘If we’re able to get this hostage deal in place — and we are still working at that, Hamas has not fully rejected it, they are considering this proposal on the table. If we can get that in place, then that gives you six weeks of peace. It gives you no fighting for six weeks, and that includes no fighting in Rafah.’
He added that ‘And what we’re hoping is that after six weeks of a temporary ceasefire, we can maybe get something more enduring in place. We want to see an end to the conflict as soon as possible.’
US reassures the ‘Ironclad Support’ to Israel
US President Joe Biden reassured his administration’s ‘Ironclad Support’ for Israel during the phone call. It is important to note that the call between both the leaders came after Biden authorised an aid package that includes $26 billion for Israel.
The package also provided $61 billion aid to Ukraine and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific.
The White House stated that ‘The President reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel’s security following the successful defence against Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack earlier this month.’
However, the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia today to discuss and conduct diplomatic discussions on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. In this situation, an Israeli representative is likely to travel to Egypt in the coming days to participate in the new ceasefire negotiation deal.
Basem Naim, the senior officials of Hamas stated that ‘the members of the group will be present during the talks in Cairo.’
The anticipated Rafah Invasion
The Rafah invasion is a planned invasion that takes place in the city of Rafah, a Palestinian strip and capital city of Palestine. It is part of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war where Israel plans to invade the city and conduct various air strikes as a result. The Israeli officials threatened Palestine that they would invade the capital city if they did not release the Israeli hostages by Ramadan.
Israel also gives the main reason that there is the most number of Hamas bridges located in the city which is crucial to the goal of destroying the militant organization.
The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas believes that the invasion could occur within a few days and stated that ‘Only a small strike is all it takes to force everyone to leave Palestine.’
